Month: June 2020

Westport News: North Avenue Water Tank Replacement Project to Begin

Westport, CT – The Aquarion Water Company (“Aquarion”) has announced that it will begin site preparation for the North Avenue water tank project at 63-67 North Avenue in Westport.  Initial work is scheduled to commence on June 4, 2020 and included the installation of erosion controls, temporary fencing and limited site clearing. The water tank project includes construction of two 40-foot tall water tanks, removal of an existing tank and extensive landscape restoration throughout the property. The project is expected to be completed in two years.

The water tank project will provide Westport residents with a significantly expanded water storage supply for fire protection and everyday water usage.

Prior to the final approval of the project, the Town of Westport, Aquarion, residents of the North Avenue neighborhood, and the CT Public Utilities Regulatory Agency (“PURA”) worked collaboratively to balance the need for sufficient water supply and public safety, particularly in the area of fire protection, as well as the  impact that the construction and final project will have on the neighborhood. PURA imposed several conditions to help minimize the impact on the neighborhood and those who may travel along North Avenue during times of construction. Of particular concern was the proximity of the site to Staples High School and the traffic conditions associated with school arrival and dismissal times.

First Selectman Jim Marpe commented, “For nearly two years, town staff and I have participated in numerous meetings, negotiations and discussions on how the proposed water tanks could be built with limited disruption to the neighborhood and its property values. The settlement agreement between the North Avenue neighbors and Aquarion is one that I endorsed to PURA.  I am confident that the controls put into place will allow for planned activity, minimal disruptions to the town and ample support to the neighbors. I would also like to thank the members of our State Legislative delegation: Will Haskell, Tony Hwang, Gail LaVielle and Jonathan Steinberg, who were active in these negotiations.”

Among the conditions of the settlement agreement was the appointment of an ombudsman to act as a liaison with the neighbors, town officials and Aquarion. The ombudsman will provide weekly construction updates to the neighbors and meet with school and police personnel in an effort insure minimal impact on vehicular and pedestrian traffic on North Avenue. There will also be an independent site monitor to ensure permit compliance.

Construction hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with some pre-arranged extensions required during the construction.  There are no planned roadway closures for North Avenue. The Board of Selectmen acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority (LTA) has reviewed and confirmed that the proposed trucking route plans submitted by the Aquarion Water Company for bringing equipment and materials to the water tank construction site are satisfactory.

The public is encouraged to visit Aquarion’s website at: www.aquarionwater.com/infrastructure-projects for construction status, work schedules and project updates.

 

This news report is made possible by:

 

Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Westport, CT –  Tax Collector Harry Whiteley reminded eligible Deferred Date Applicants that Taxpayers have until July 1, 2020 to pay the fourth quarter real estate taxes, personal property taxes, and sanitary sewer use and assessment charges that were due April 2020, without penalty.  If paid late, accounts will be subject to an 18 percent (1.5 percent/month) penalty charge from the original due date of April 1, 2020. The minimum interest charge is $2.00.

Failure to receive a bill does not abate the charges or interest.

Real estate taxes, personal property taxes, and sanitary use and assessment bills may be paid by credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a checking account on-line at www.westportct.gov/taxes

Checks should be made payable to “Town of Westport” and mailed to:

                                                Tax Collector – Westport   P.O. Box 350  Westport, CT 06881

A drop box in the rear of Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, may be used for in-person payments.

Reminder:  In order to defer the July, 2020 tax payment, the tax relief application must be received by July 1, 2020.  For more information, go to www.westportct.gov/taxrelief.

 

This press release was made possible by:

Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Westport News: Feed a Family’ Food Drive

#Westport Ct– The Westport Police Department is proud to announce our partnership with the Norwalk chapter of the NAACP and TEAM Westport in the ‘Feed a Family’ Food Drive scheduled for this Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Stop and Shop Westport; 1790 Post Road East. Volunteers from all three organizations will be on hand at Stop and Shop hand accepting donations from 9:00 am to 2:00pm. All items collected will directly benefit and be hand-delivered by event volunteers to families in need in Norwalk, Westport, and Weston. Requested items include but are not limited to fresh fruits and vegetables, non-perishable items such as cereals and pastas along with unused masks, cleansers, toilet paper, and paper towels. Artwork by residents of any age containing supportive and encouraging messages is also requested to accompany the grocery delivery. Those seeking additional information are requested to contact the event’s coordinator; Jennifer Friedland. She can be reached at (917) 841- 9658 or at JenTFriedland@Gmail.com. We collectively thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity in helping to support our neighbors in need.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Transportation Worker Safety Sought

#WASHINGTON, D.C.– At the Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation and critical infrastructure, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) unveiled the Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act to address workplace safety for essential transportation workers. The legislation – endorsed by the country’s leading transportation labor unions – would prioritize coronavirus testing for transportation workers, and ensure employers implement critical health and safety requirements to keep their workforce safe.

“We must ensure the utmost safety of our frontline transportation workers amid this pandemic,” said Blumenthal. “As these workers continue to serve our public on the roads, railways, and in the skies, they must have priority access to coronavirus tests, readily available personal protective equipment, and a safe workplace to protect their health. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Ranking Member Cantwell and Senator Markey to establish strong safety and health standards, and give essential transportation workers the peace of mind they deserve.”

 

“Transportation workers are critical for getting people to and from work, getting life-saving goods out to hospitals and first responders, moving food for our kitchen tables, and essential goods to stock our stores,” said Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act will require passenger and freight transportation companies to abide by the CDC recommendations including mandatory cleaning, disinfecting areas, and personal protective equipment to keep our frontline workers safe.”

 

“The coronavirus pandemic places a unique burden on the American workforce,” said Markey. “While millions of Americans are sheltering at home to protect public health, essential workers continue to report to work at increased risk to themselves and their families. In particular, transportation workers are providing vital services that the rest of our economy relies on to keep moving. These heroes deserve priority access to coronavirus testing, personal protective equipment on the job, and strong safety rules. That’s why I am proud to join Senator Blumenthal and Ranking Member Cantwell in introducing this critical legislation.”

 

The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the efforts of state and local governments to provide for priority testing of transportation workers. It would also implement personal protective equipment and disinfection and sanitization requirements for owners and operators of equipment or facilities used by certain transportation employers.

The full text of the legislation can be found here and the bill summary can be found here.

 

The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Transportation Trades Department–AFL-CIO (TTD), which represents thirty-three transportation labor unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the Association of Flight Attendants–CWA (AFA-CWA), and the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU).

“Millions of working people have been putting their lives on the line and continue to put themselves in harm’s way to keep our country running during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Larry Willis, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD). “The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act is necessary legislation that would ensure the government and transportation employers are taking the meaningful actions we know are needed to keep workers safe on the job.”

 

“A key part of restoring confidence in the transportation system and turning around the American economy is establishing enforceable public health standards for everyone to follow and adhere to, and that’s why ALPA applauds Senators Blumenthal, Cantwell, and Markey for introducing the Essential Transportation Employee Act of 2020,” said ALPA President, Capt. Joe DePete. “Pilots are ready to welcome more passengers back onboard our planes and make that ‘cleared for takeoff’ announcement – and this bill will help ensure we all have a smooth flight.”

“The TWU applauds Senators Blumenthal, Cantwell, and Markey for leading on behalf of essential workers,” said TWU President John Samuelsen. “Transport workers have been on the frontlines of the COVID response since the beginning. Flight attendants, bus and train operators, Amtrak service workers, and all of our members have given their all everyday in order to ensure other essential personnel can do their work. These heroes deserve a safe workplace and priority testing for communicable diseases so they can return home safely to live with their families every day.”

“Flight Attendants have been calling for a national, enforceable COVID-19 safety standard in aviation for months,” said Sara Nelson, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants at 19 airlines. “The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act of 2020 would direct DOT to establish requirements for cleaning of public terminals and aircraft, provide employees with PPE, notification of COVID-19 exposure, and require masks for passengers and crew. The lack of action from DOT is a problem. We thank Senators Blumenthal, Markey, and Cantwell for introducing this vital legislation. Rebuilding confidence in air travel is essential for our jobs and the industry’s recovery.”

 

This news report is made possible by:

 

Exit mobile version